General News
24 October, 2026
Students come ‘home’
THERE are some places that never really leave us.
No matter how many years pass, returning to where we went to school brings back memories, friendships and moments that helped shape who we are.
That was the spirit of Emmanuel College’s first Homecoming Reunion Weekend, which welcomed alumni from seven year levels (from 1966 right through to 2016) for a memorable celebration of friendship, community and shared history.
From the moment alumni arrived on campus, there was an unmistakable sense of excitement.
Familiar faces emerged, old friendships were renewed, and conversations quickly turned to stories of school days past.
Walking through the college grounds once again sparked plenty of “remember when?” moments, with classrooms, corridors, home rooms, the chapel and sporting fields bringing back a flood of memories.
For some, it was their first visit in decades, but the sense of belonging remained.
One group of former students particularly enjoyed revisiting their school days, and in a playful nod to the past, they even swung on the rope and rang the old school bell.
The reunion also offered an opportunity to reflect on how much the college has changed, while celebrating the history that connects its past and present.
Attendees enjoyed the historical storyboards, magazines, symbols, badges and photographs on display.
Across the seven year levels, there were countless stories of careers, families, achievements, challenges and adventures.
Yet, despite the different paths everyone had followed, the connection to their school remained strong.
Alumni who had not seen one another for years were soon chatting and laughing as naturally as old friends.
The celebrations continued beyond the school gates and late into the evening, with year levels gathering for lunches, dinners and drinks, providing more opportunities to catch up, reminisce and strengthen old friendships.
